Geological, Geomorphological and Lineament mapping through Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques, in parts of Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu

Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System (RS and GIS) technology play a major role in thematic map generation and integrated analysis for mapping, managing and monitoring the natural resources. RS and GIS technology have opened a new era in the field of applied geology. A remote sensing observation from space provides a synoptic view of terrain, thus provide ability in detecting lithology, land formand lineaments on the imagery. Remotely sensed (satellite) digital data have a benefit in that the image data can be enhanced/manipulated for improving image interpretability with better accuracy. Satellite data facilitate the preparation of geological, lineament and geomorphological maps, particularly at a regional and small scale according to the resolution of the images. GIS has capability to visualize, enhance, manipulate,generate, store, integrate and analyse the thematic data. This study aims to map the lithology, geomorphology and lineaments in parts of Madurai, Ramanathapuram and Tiruchirappalli districts of Tamil Nadu based on visual image interpretation techniques. These maps would be useful for further analysis for natural resource planning, management and decision making.